1、Controlled release fertilizer: A review on developments, applications

As a solution, controlled release fertilizers (CRFs) are discovered where nutrients can be released in a timely and gradually manner, which attempt to coincide and match with the specific nutrient demand during plant growth.

2、The future of fertilizers: Controlled

This article reviews the current advancements in CRFs, organic and microbial fertilizers, their mechanisms of action, advantages, limitations, and the synergistic potential of integrated nutrient management (INM) systems.

3、Controlled Release Fertilizers for Sustainable Agriculture

Controlled release fertilizers (CRF) can be used to alleviate the problems created due to these losses as they are designed to synchronize the release of nutrients according to plant...

Controlled

Currently, a new type of fertilizers, controlled-release fertilizers, is becoming increasingly popular. These are slowly soluble fertilizers, in which the release of the nutritional components to the environment is executed gradually, generally through pores (of a capsule or matrix).

Progress in Microbial Fertilizer Regulation of Crop Growth and Soil

Microbial fertilizer is a kind of nutrient-rich and environmentally friendly biological fertilizer made from plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR). Microbial fertilizers can regulate soil nutrient dynamics and promote soil nutrient cycling by improving soil microbial community changes.

Long

This study investigated how different fertilization regimes (inorganic, organic, and combined organic–inorganic fertilizers) influence soil physicochemical properties, microbial diversity, community structure, and functional gene abundances at three soil depths (0–20 cm, 20–40 cm, and 40–60 cm) in a 40-year fertilization experiment.

Controlled‐release nitrogen fertilizers: A review on bio‐based and

Traditional nitrogen fertilizers, like urea, lead to unde-sirable leaching, runoff losses, and low nutrient use efficiency in crops upon contact with water. Controlled-release fertilizers (CRFs) present a promising solution by mitigating nutrient loss and enhancing plant uptake.

Controlled release fertilizers (CRFs) for climate

The controlled release rate of fertilizer is crucial in avoiding the over-release of fertilizer nutrients to soil and providing high use efficiency while minimizing adverse effects on the environment.

Nano

Environmental significance Chitosan-based nanomaterials offer a biodegradable, non-toxic alternative to synthetic agrochemicals, addressing major environmental challenges in agriculture. By enhancing nutrient uptake, photosynthesis, and stress resilience in vegetable crops, they reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers and pesticides while mitigating climate-induced stresses, such as drought ...

Combined controlled

MCU improved soil microbial diversity, network complexity and microbial functions. Soil properties and microbial functions as key drivers of yield and SMF. MCU offers a scalable, cost-effective path to sustainable sugarcane productivity.

In agricultural production, the selection and application of fertilizers significantly impact crop growth and yield. Microbial fertilizers and controlled-release fertilizers are two common types of fertilizers, each with unique characteristics and advantages. Combining these two types of fertilizers may yield certain effects, but it also poses challenges. Below is an analysis of whether microbial fertilizers and controlled-release fertilizers can be used together.

I. Roles and Characteristics of Microbial Fertilizers

1. Enhancing Soil Microbial Activity: Beneficial microorganisms in microbial fertilizers, such as nitrogen-fixing and phosphate-solubilizing bacteria, improve the soil’s micro-ecological environment and increase the population of beneficial microbes, thereby promoting plant growth.
2. Providing Essential Nutrients: Microbial fertilizers are rich in nutrients essential for plant growth, such as nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), and potassium (K), effectively meeting plants’ nutritional needs.
3. Improving Soil Organic Matter: Microorganisms in these fertilizers decompose organic matter, releasing substances that enhance soil structure and its water- and nutrient-retaining capacity.
4. Reducing Chemical Fertilizer Use: By boosting soil’s self-restoration capabilities, microbial fertilizers reduce reliance on chemical fertilizers, lowering agricultural costs.
5. Promoting Root Development: Beneficial microbes secrete plant growth hormones, stimulating root growth and improving stress resistance in plants.
6. Suppressing Pests and Diseases: Microbes in microbial fertilizers compete with pathogenic organisms and pests, reducing their prevalence.
7. Enhancing Product Quality: Crops fertilized with microbial products often exhibit better taste, appearance, and nutritional value, improving market competitiveness.

II. Characteristics and Advantages of Controlled-Release Fertilizers

1. Regulated Nutrient Release: Through specialized manufacturing, controlled-release fertilizers deliver nutrients gradually, ensuring a steady supply to plants.
2. Reducing Leaching and Pollution: These fertilizers minimize environmental damage and resource waste by preventing excessive nutrient runoff.
3. Higher Nutrient Efficiency: They reduce waste from overapplication, enhancing resource utilization while lowering environmental risks.
4. Extended Shelf Life: Controlled-release fertilizers maintain effectiveness over longer periods, reducing losses from expiration.
5. Boosting Yield and Quality: Crops treated with these fertilizers often achieve higher yields and superior quality.
6. Customizable for Crop Needs: Nutrient release rates can be adjusted to match specific crop requirements at different growth stages.
7. Compatibility with Mechanization: These fertilizers facilitate efficient mechanized farming, cutting labor and operational costs.

III. Feasibility and Challenges of Combining Microbial and Controlled-Release Fertilizers

1. Potential Interactions: Microbes in microbial fertilizers might interact with nutrients in controlled-release fertilizers, reducing efficacy or neutralizing benefits.
2. Precise Proportioning Required: Optimal ratios must be carefully determined to maximize synergistic effects between the two fertilizer types.
3. Crop-Specific Considerations: Different crops have varying nutrient demands, necessitating tailored approaches before combined use.
4. Expert Supervision Needed: Professional guidance is critical to ensure effective application and management.
5. Economic Costs: Combining these fertilizers may involve higher expenses, including equipment, transportation, and labor.
6. Trial and Testing Required: Experimentation is essential to determine the best application methods and ratios.
7. Environmental Impact Awareness: Potential ecological risks must be assessed to avoid harm to soil or water systems.

While combining microbial and controlled-release fertilizers holds promise, challenges such as compatibility, cost, and environmental safety must be addressed. Rigorous research, trials, and professional oversight are essential to balance efficacy, sustainability, and economic viability.